Pride of Bicol and Filipino boxing champion Pedro “Kid Heneral” Taduran successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight world title, further cementing his status as the “king of the world” in the 105-pound division.
The 29-year-old boxer from Libon, Albay dominated Mexican challenger Gustavo Perez Alvarez, scoring multiple knockdowns before securing a seventh-round technical knockout at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.
Taduran gradually took control after a measured start, landing punishing body shots and powerful left hands that sent Alvarez to the canvas several times, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
The victory marked another successful defense of Taduran’s IBF minimumweight crown, the world championship he regained in 2024 and has since held firmly against top contenders.
With the win, Taduran improved his professional record to 20 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, including 14 knockouts, while Alvarez fell to 16-2.
Born in Libon, Albay, Taduran has become one of the Philippines’ leading boxing champions in the minimumweight division. He turned professional in 2015 and is now a two-time IBF minimumweight world champion, known for his aggressive southpaw style and resilience in the ring.
Following the latest defense, Taduran’s camp has expressed interest in possible unification bouts against other world champions, including WBO/WBA titleholder Oscar Collazo and fellow Filipino WBC champion Melvin Jerusalem—fights that could potentially crown an undisputed king of the division.
For Bicolanos, Taduran’s triumph is another source of regional pride. From humble beginnings in Libon, he has risen to global prominence, carrying both the Philippine flag and the name of Albay onto the world boxing stage.
His victory also reinforces the Philippines’ continuing legacy in lower-weight divisions, where discipline, speed, and endurance often produce world-class champions.
“IBF minimumweight king of the world” is not just a title for Taduran — it is a reflection of years of perseverance and a reminder that even fighters from small towns like Libon can dominate the global stage.
Leave a comment